About Me

Why did I originally create this site?

To share my hints on finding the lowest prices and staying up-to-date with technology. You can say, these are interests of mine.

Where am I from?

New York City. Specifically Manhattan on the Upper West Side.

Education background?

Undergraduates studies were at Brandeis University from 1994-1998, outside of Boston (Waltham, MA) and then a year and a half program at Columbia University for Network Management and Design.

What was your field of study during your undergraduate career?

My major was in Economics and I completed the Business and Managerial Accounting Program.

How did you become involved with computers?

It all started in my second semester of Freshman year. I started to write papers that were longer than ten pages long and my Smith Corona word processor could not format these long papers. So I was forced to write my papers on my roommates computer. I therefore decided to buy a computer, so I purchased a $3000 top of the line PC clone laptop (DX4-75 w/a Dual Scan display). Even though I was not familiar with the configurations files (autoexec.bat and config.sys), I would modify them. Add this to faulty hardware (my guess), I somehow severely "messed" up the laptop. I tried reloading the files and sent it back to the company three times, but each time they sent it back, it was still having problems. Therefore the fourth time I sent it in, I asked for a refund. So I continued the semester going to the computer cluster and then during the summer while I was in NYC, I went to a laptop auction. There I purchased a PB150 for only $825 (out the door = total price), even though it was retailing for $1250. I thought, I only spent $825 on a computer, why not spend the rest on a desktop for games. So I purchased a Power Mac 6100/66. Sophomore year I spent at least 40 hours a week on the computer (on the internet and games). So my close friend and roommate suggested that I get paid to do what I do everyday. So I applied for a job at school for Computing Services Department at Brandeis University and the rest is history. I have not looked back since. (Thanks Sam.)

Where do I work and what do I do?

Currently working for REEF Solutions, a network and computer support firm.

Worked as the network administrator for a consulting firm, Tracer Technologies. Handled the internal and external webservers, Exchange Server, mail gateway for spam and virus capabilities, and company wide client desktops. Also was responsible for Technology Dept. budget and managing desktop support staff.

After returning from my travels, I worked as a consultant for REEF Solutions providing network and computer support.

Resigned from my job in order to explore other opportunities and to travel (spent 6 months in mainly Eastern Europe and 2 months in Southern South America). Below is what I did at my previous job. While working my last job, I studied and completed a 1 1/2 year program at Columbia University for Network Management and Design.

Worked for about 2 years in NYC for a financial firm, Depository Trust Clearing Corporation. I worked in the software development department providing technical support and more. Part of my job responsibilities were to provide level II technical support for the applications (part of a financial database suite) that the developers created, provide desktop support for the developers, manage the hardware and software inventory, distribute software, and use remote management tools for the department (using SMS), help maintain a support intranet website, and occasionally perform product and service evaluations (cost analysis testing).

What did I think of my college years at Brandeis University?

I really enjoyed my experience, and I am sad that college had to end. It was a wild ride. I would repeat the experience if possible. That's why I'm thinking about graduate school (to pursue the art of "negotiation").

What is the most memorable event during my college years?

Freshman year, when the bathroom heater was broken. The heat was so hot you could not walk in there unless you were wearing shoes. Going to the bathroom felt like you were going into a sauna. Just imagine if you had to sit there for a couple of minutes.

What is one of my favorite electronic devices?

Phones are one of my favorite types of gadgets because I tend to spend a considerable amount of time on them. Telecommunications is an industry I have always enjoyed following. The technology and marketing behind products is fascinating to me. I use to buy a new cordless every 6-9 months [slowed down now], so I have seen and used quite a few phones. I also enjoy testing, evaluating, and recommending phones for friends. A little game I play, is trying to correctly guess the manufacturer of phones I see on TV, ads, and pretty much anywhere I see a phone.

Another favorite?

An electronic organizer, a Psion Series 5. In addition to owning the PDA, a friend and I, worked together on a group project for our Global Economy course at Brandeis. The final paper discussed Psion PLC's strategy in their role and business plan in the handheld organizer market and provided analysis of the PDA market and how Psion fit into it. I really enjoyed each step of the project, from the research (comparing their product line with others) to writing the paper. Business school is not too far off for me.

What was your favorite movie of all-time?

It is a toss-up between Sneakers and Robocop. Most people I meet when they hear this think that I am so uncivilized. Obviously they missed the underlying point and commentary of our society during the 1980s. Yes, there is more to the story than meets the eye.